Verdiem rides “green software” wave

Verdiem, the Seattle software startup that helps corporations power down computers when they are not in use, gets some ink in a feature story in The Wall Street Journal today.

“Until recently, businesses seeking to cut energy costs have focused on low-technology steps such as turning down thermostats and switching off lights when they’re not needed. Now more high-tech “green software” programs have popped up to help companies cut their energy consumption,” writes reporter Jim Carlton.

The story goes on to note that Verdiem’s installations have increased from about 85,000 in 2006 to 600,000 last year.

The company raised an $8.33 million venture round last summer, led by Silicon Valley powerhouse Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. On average, the company says its Surveyor software – which costs about $25 per PC – has annual cost savings of $20 to $45 for each PC.